Super Eagles: Femi Azeez brace against Zimbabwe breaks 55-year Nigerian record

Femi Azeez stole the hearts of many on Tuesday evening after the Millwall star made a splash on his international debut with a record-equalling display, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old winger produced a sensational performance as Nigeria defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semifinal of the 2026 Unity Cup.

Azeez scored both goals for the Super Eagles in front of a lively crowd in south London, becoming the first Nigerian player in 55 years to score a brace on his international debut. The last player to achieve that feat was Mathias Obianika back in November 1971 against Upper Volta, now known as Burkina Faso.

The match also offered another glimpse into the rebuilding project under Éric Chelle. The Super Eagles coach rested several established stars and handed opportunities to new faces ahead of next month’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.

Nigeria looked sharper from the opening whistle and quickly took control of possession. Zimbabwe struggled to contain the pace and movement of the Nigerian attack, especially through the middle where Azeez caused problems throughout the evening.

Dream debut as Femi Azeez writes his name into Super Eagles history

It took only five minutes for Femi Azeez to announce himself on the international stage.

After neat work from captain Terem Moffi around the edge of the penalty area, the Millwall winger received the ball outside the box before firing a powerful left-footed effort into the bottom corner. Zimbabwe goalkeeper Martin Mapisa had no chance as the shot flew past him.

The early goal settled Nigeria and lifted the atmosphere inside The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic. The Super Eagles continued to dominate possession, although chances for Philip Otele, Alhassan Yusuf and Moffi went unfinished before half-time.

Zimbabwe improved briefly after the break and nearly found an equaliser, but debutant goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo produced an outstanding save midway through the second half to protect Nigeria’s lead.

That moment proved important because Azeez struck again in the 63rd minute. Moffi burst into the penalty area after a quick Nigerian counterattack before squaring the ball into space. Azeez arrived calmly and guided his finish into the net for his second goal of the night.

With the brace, Azeez became the 62nd player to score on his debut for Nigeria, but his achievement carried even greater significance because nobody had managed two goals on debut for the Super Eagles since Obianika did it 55 years ago.

The performance also continued the winger’s remarkable rise over the last year. Azeez enjoyed a superb 2025/26 campaign with Millwall in the English Championship, finishing the season with 11 goals and seven assists in 37 league appearances. He started 35 matches under manager Alex Neil and earned a place in the Championship Team of the Season after a series of outstanding displays.

His form in England had already attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth, but Tuesday night felt like a true arrival on the bigger stage.

Nigeria’s victory also carried an element of revenge after two frustrating 1-1 draws against Zimbabwe during the recent CAF World Cup qualifying campaign. More importantly, the Super Eagles maintained their perfect record in the Unity Cup and moved into Saturday’s final, where they will face either Jamaica or India.